WR Marvin Hall claimed by Browns, Lions offer little explanation on release

Lost in the news cycle over the weekend was the surprising move the Detroit Lions made by waiving wide receiver Marvin Hall. Of course, the Lions made everyone forget about the move quickly by putting up a season-high 402 passing yards against a good Chicago Bears defense, but that doesn’t make the move any less puzzling.

On Monday, Hall was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns, assuring that he will not be returning to Detroit this year.

We asked interim head coach Darrell Bevell on Monday why the Lions made the somewhat surprising move, but he offered only a vague explanation.

“He’s made some big plays for us, but there’s a lot that goes into it, in terms of roster spots, and more than just play on the field,” Bevell said.

Bevell seems to be suggesting the move had little to do with his play on the field. Of course, that only leaves the mind to wander. Did Hall want out to play for a contender? If so, mission accomplished. Bevell only spoke very highly of Hall, so it seems unlikely the former Lions receiver caused a disturbance or had some off-the-field issue.

Either way, this obviously isn’t a huge loss, just a curious one. In Hall’s last two seasons with the Lions (20 games), he pulled in 24 catches for 551 yards and three touchdowns. In his place, Mohamed Sanu had two catches for 43 yards against the Bears and earned the praise of Bevell after the game.

“I think he came in and you kinda saw what he was able to do,” Bevell said. “He made some big plays for us.”